Government has renewed its warning to Zimbabweans over deceptive cross-border recruitment practices and human trafficking syndicates targeting job seekers with false promises of lucrative employment opportunities abroad.
In a press statement released today, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda, said the Government was concerned by the increasing sophistication of criminal networks exploiting citizens seeking employment in neighbouring countries, the Middle East and Asia.
“The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, reiterates its urgent national alert regarding the persistent rise in deceptive cross-border recruitment practices and human trafficking syndicates targeting local job seekers,” Dr Soda said.
He said the warning was not new, but the changing methods used by criminal networks required citizens to remain vigilant.
“This is not the first time the Government has issued this warning; however, the escalating sophistication of these criminal networks necessitates renewed vigilance,” he said.
Dr Soda said some Zimbabweans recruited through fraudulent schemes had allegedly been deployed to active battlefronts in foreign countries despite having no military training.
“Tragically, some recruits have been deployed to active battlefronts in host nations without any prior military training. Zimbabwean law strictly prohibits the recruitment of citizens for mercenary activities,” he said.
The Minister urged citizens, families and community leaders to thoroughly verify international job offers before accepting them, while parents and guardians were encouraged to remain aware of their children’s travel arrangements.
“Job seekers to be cautious of recruiters demanding substantial upfront fees, providing vague job descriptions or unverifiable employer details, and pressuring applicants to leave the country immediately,” Dr Soda urged.
He also urged citizens not to sign contracts written in foreign languages without first obtaining a full translation into a language they understand, including English, Shona or Ndebele.
“Treat offers that promise ‘instant wealth’ or claim ‘no experience required’ with absolute skepticism,” Dr Soda said, urging citizens to seek employment opportunities through verified Government channels, including the Government Portal.
He further advised travellers to carry duplicate physical and digital copies of their passports and visas, maintain emergency contacts and keep at least US$200 concealed for emergencies.
“Human trafficking is a severe violation of human rights and national security. The Government remains fully committed to dismantling these criminal operations and protecting our citizens,” he said.
Victims or people who encounter suspicious recruitment practices have been urged to report to the nearest police station, call the National Child and Vulnerable Persons Hotline on 116 or the Ministry’s toll-free helpline.
